MtnMeister

A high altitude mountaineer travels through sub-zero temperatures, scales treacherous terrain, and carries hundreds of pounds of supplies. Many of us have very little in common with this person. We don’t need to worry about the lack of oxygen in the air or the extent of frostbite in our toes.
Yet, we are all human. There are certain ideas which apply to all of us, no matter if we are standing at 29,029 feet or sea level. Why is it important to step outside of our comfort zone? How do we weigh risk vs. reward? What impact does human behavior have on our decision making? On MtnMeister, we explore these ideas by talking with those who have found answers in the extremes.
Ben Schenck, the host of MtnMeister (pronounced Mountain Meister), asks thought-provoking and sometimes uncomfortable questions that you won't hear in a typical interview. Notable guests include Alex Honnold, Sasha DiGiulian, Ueli Steck, Jeremy Jones, Lynn Hill, Conrad Anker, Aaron Gwin and other adventurers in climbing, skiing, hiking, biking, and everything else in the mountains.

#213 Scott Johnston, Uphill Athlete | ReggieScott Johnston is the co-owner and head coach of Uphill Athlete, a specialized training platform that includes a couple of books, a website with a host of resources, training plans, stories, and articles, and personalized coaching for uphill athletes. On today’s show, we’ll talk about his newest book with Steve House and Kilian Jornet, Training for the New Alpinism: A Manual for Mountain Runners and Ski Mountaineers, where they set the record straight about what is known, unknown, and what works in endurance training. He’ll also provide some advice about how to get faster and go further. Our Company Spotlight in this episode is with Reggie, a Canadian cycling apparel company that uses vibrant colors and designs in technical riding gear. I talk with Reggie's co-founders and siblings Laura and Jeff Wills about the company, then Hannah van Wetter and I review their Double Cross kit. Get 25% off at https://reggie.bike/ with the code "reggiemeister" at checkout. Episode Sponsors SAXX Underwear: Use the code "meister" at checkout for $5 off and free shipping! https://www.saxxunderwear.com/ The Nomadik: Use code: "meister" for 20% OFF your first purchase at https://www.thenomadik.com/meister Episode Links Uphill Athlete: https://www.uphillathlete.com/ Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Training-Uphill-Athlete-Mountain-Mountaineers/dp/1938340841 Training Peaks: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/ "Just Enough" Plan: https://bridgerridgerun.wordpress.com/2015/03/30/how-to-run-a-3-hour-marathon-a-just-enough-training-approach/ /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/9714713

#212: Caroline Gleich | Onsight EquipmentCaroline Gleich is a professional ski mountaineer, endurance athlete, and environmental activist. This past fall, she climbed and skied Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world. On today’s episode, we’ll talk about that adventure, where she faced a spell of high altitude pulmonary edema (hape) that threatened her chances at summitting. Later in our conversation, we’ll talk about the implicit and sometimes explicit bias that women face in adventure sports that are predominantly male. In today’s Company Spotlight, we feature Onsight Equipment, an eco-friendly travel gear company based out of British Colombia. Onsight uses recycled materials to build travel storage solutions, including bicycle frame bags, messenger bags, and travel organizers. After my interview with their marketing and business development manager, Jens Ourom, I'll review some of the products with Roommate Max and Hannah Van Wetter. For 20%, use the code “mtnmeister25” at https://www.onsightequipment.com/ Episode Sponsor: SAXX Underwear. Use the code meister at checkout for $5 off and free shipping! https://www.saxxunderwear.com/ Episode Links: Caroline Gleich's website: https://carolinegleich.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinegleich/ Misogyny and Sexism: https://www.outsideonline.com/2313816/caroline-gleich-sexism /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/7822739

#211 Her Odyssey | Peak DesignBethany Hughes (Fidgit) and Lauren Reed (Neon) are in the midst of a daunting project: hiking (and occasionally paddling and cycling) from the southern tip of Argentina to the northern tip of Alaska. The 20,000 mile journey is expected to take 5 or 6 years, and in this interview, they join from Medellín, Colombia, about 2.5 years into their journey. Fidgit and Neon talk about their motivation, strategies to get along with adventure partners, and Her Odyssey: a mission to connect stories of the land and its inhabitants. In today’s Company Spotlight, we feature Peak Design, a camera accessory, bag, and “carry” brand. First and foremost, though, Peak Design is a design company. They’ve launched numerous successful crowdfunding campaigns for products that use innovative design to accommodate specific uses while still fulfilling the many different ways that people may use them. For 10%, use the code “meister10” at https://www.peakdesign.com/. Episode Sponsor: SAXX Underwear. Use the code meister at checkout for $5 off and free shipping! https://www.saxxunderwear.com/ /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/7479542

#210 Modern Huntsman, Brad Neathery & Tyler SharpModern Huntsman is bi-annual magazine that works to restore the perception of hunting in our modern society by curating stories, pictures, recipes, and more. On today’s episode, I talk with the CEO and Co-founder Brad Neathery and Editor in Chief Tyler Sharp about why hunting has gained a certain reputation - from the influences of hunting companies and media to the individual-level behavior. We’ll also hear an essay from Volume 1 called “And So I Hunt", narrated by Brad. Finally, we’ll talk about how we reduce the divide between hunters and non-hunters. Episode Sponsor: SAXX Underwear - Use the code meister at checkout for $5 off and free shipping! https://www.saxxunderwear.com/ Episode Links: Modern Huntsman - https://modernhuntsman.com/ Pre-Order Volume 2 - https://modernhuntsman.com/shop/volume-two @ModernHuntsman - https://www.instagram.com/modernhuntsman/ /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/7150696

#209 Dr. Robb Gaffney | CoalatreeDr. Robb Gaffney is a psychiatrist, former extreme skier, and author of Squallywood: a guide to Squaw Valley’s most extreme lines. In this episode, we’ll talk about the brain and risk taking, social contagion, and ways to encourage the next generation to take more responsible risks. Robb is also part of a movement to Keep Squaw True, as unwanted real estate development is threatens the North Lake Tahoe area. In today’s Company Spotlight, we feature Coalatree, an eco-friendly outdoor apparel brand founded by Charlie Bessey. Coalatree uses recycled materials like coffee grounds and plastic bottles to make sustainable, organic products for the mountains and the city. After my interview with Charlie, Hannah Van Wetter and I review the Trailhead Pants. For 20%, use the code “meister” at https://coalatree.com/. Episode Sponsor: SAXX Underwear. Use the code meister at checkout for $5 off and free shipping! https://www.saxxunderwear.com/ Episode Links: Keep Squaw True: https://www.sierrawatch.org/keep-squaw-true/ Movie Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-premiere-the-movie-to-keep-squaw-true-tickets-48848643608 The Effect of Sexual Arousal on Sexual Decision Making: http://people.duke.edu/~dandan/webfiles/PapersPI/Sexual%20Arousal%20and%20Decision%20making.pdf Squallywood: http://squallywood.com/ /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/7027129

#208 Chris Warner | DannyShaneChris Warner is a well established mountaineer who has been climbing and guiding for several decades, a leadership educator, and the founder of Earth Treks climbing gyms. Last year, Chris attempted to climb the third highest mountain in the world, Kangchenjunga, but the summit escaped him. This season, he decided to give it another go. This episode is slightly different from our others. In hosting conversations with adventure athletes on MtnMeister, I’ve noticed that we are almost always talking about the past. This makes some sense because we better understand the past; we can tell more cohesive stories because we already know the setting, the climax, and the resolution. But that isn’t reality, especially in adventure sports (there’s a good quote that goes, “Life is lived forward but remembered and understood backward.”) For today’s episode, the interview will have two parts which occurred at different times: I interviewed Chris a few days before he left for Kangchenjunga, and then again once he returned. In today’s Company Spotlight, we feature DannyShane, a cycling apparel brand founded by Shane Hunt. DannyShane uses bamboo white ash in their fabrics, and the designs feature tartan plaids and other classic designs and colors with Scottish and Irish influence. After the interview, Roommate Max and I review the products. For 20% off at their online store (until August 12th), use the code “meister20” at www.dannyshane.com. Episode Sponsor: SAXX Underwear. Use the code meister at checkout for $5 off and free shipping! https://www.saxxunderwear.com/ Episode Links https://chrisbwarner.com/ www.dannyshane.com/ https://www.earthtreksclimbing.com/ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2213661.The_Graveyard_Book https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Phil-Knight/dp/1508211809 /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/6902282

#207 Pete RipmasterPete Ripmaster is the winner of the 2018 Iditarod Trail Invitational. You’ve probably heard of the Iditarod before, and you might think it’s bizarre to be pulled by a bunch of dogs in sub-zero temperatures in the Alaskan wilderness. But that’s not the Iditarod that Pete won. He did the same course - 1,000 miles and 50 degrees below zero - in the form of an ultramarathon. With no dogs to help him along the way, Pete's feet carried him an average of 38 miles a day over 26 days. Go to SAXXunderwear.com and use the code “meister” at checkout for $5 off and free shipping on your first order. Iditarod Trail invitational - http://www.iditarodtrailinvitational.com/ Pete Ripmaster's website - https://www.peteripmaster.com/ /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/6796926

#206 Chris McNamara | Sufferfest Beer Co.Chris McNamera is the founder of Outdoor Gear Lab, Tech Gear Lab, and Supertopo. If you are a climber or gear head, there’s a chance you’ve heard of these. He’s also well respected climber, holds some serious big wall speed records and has climbed El Cap 80 plus times. In the early 2000s, Chris was one of the pioneers of wingsuit base jumping, but he eventually quit the sport because of it's risk. Today, he's reinventing South Lake Tahoe one of the best mountain towns in the US. In today’s Company Spotlight, we feature Sufferfest Beer Co., and it’s founder, Caitlin Landesberg. Sufferfest is a beer built to reward you post-adventure – or maybe during your adventure, depending on what you’re in to! After the interview, Hannah Van Wetter and I review the beer and have a few drinks. For 20% off at their online store, use the code “meister” at www.sufferfestbeer.com. You can buy the beer online at Craft City - https://www.craftcity.com/all-beers/all-breweries/sufferfest This summer I am reporting on Big City Mountaineers and their Summit for Someone trip on Longs Peak from September 7th to 9th. I have reported on these trips in the past, and this year, we’ll be promoting their Corporate Challenges program, where a company can host a trip of it’s own. I think it’d be a cool story about team-building and corporate social responsibility (plus your company will get some good PR out of the whole thing). Everyone who signs up gets a 70L pack, Mountainsmith trekking poles, a BCM t-shirt, and their voice on MtnMeister! If you or your company are interested in getting involved, shoot me an email at ben@mtnmeister.com. Links Outdoor Gear Lab - https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/ Tech Gear Lab - https://www.techgearlab.com/ Supertopo - http://www.supertopo.com/ South Lake Tahoe - https://tahoesouth.com/ Buy Sufferfest Beer - https://www.craftcity.com/all-beers/all-breweries/sufferfest Chris McNamara on Enormocast - https://enormocast.com/episode-88-chris-mcnamara-living-the-ever-changing-dream/ /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/6699933

#205 Dr. Jared Vagy "The Climbing Doctor" | Thunderbolt SportswearDr. Jared Vagy is a doctor of physical therapy and known as “The Climbing Doctor”. He’s a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at USC, works with Olympic athletes on teams in both the US and China, and has treated and taught more than 1,000 climbers. He’s the author of Climb Injury Free, which includes injury advice from professional climbers and step by step rehabilitation instructions for climbing injuries. In this interview, we talk about common injuries among climbers, how to know when to push hard and when to back it off, and the difference between pain and injury. In today's Company Spotlight, we feature a Portland, OR based company, Thunderbolt Sportswear, and it's co-owner, John Connor. Thunderbolt's signature item is a do-it-all pair of soft shell pants/jeans made with Schoeller Dryskin, and they've now expanded to shirts and outerwear. After the interview with John, Roommate Max and I review the products. For 25% off, use the code "mtnmeister" at https://www.thunderboltsportswear.com/ Episode Links: The Climbing Doctor - https://theclimbingdoctor.com/ Stephen Curry strobe classes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6CHAmdkVDM Clarifying the Role of Pain in Injuries - https://theclimbingdoctor.com/clarifying-the-role-of-pain-in-injuries/ Buy the Book - http://a.co/5PoHwQO Climbing Doctor Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theclimbingdoctor/?hl=en /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/6542434

#204 Steve House | Ridge MerinoOf all of the guest requests that I receive from listeners, Steve House is the name that comes up most. Steve is one of the most respected alpine climbers of this generation. In a time when establishing a quantity of summits has a certain superficial appeal, Steve stays committed to quality. He moves through the mountains in light and fast style, and through his programs like Alpine Mentors and Uphill Athlete, he teaches other climbers to do the same. In this interview, we’ll profile his introduction to climbing, the importance of mentors, and his approach to training. He’ll also talk about an accident in 2010 that left him stranded on the wall. After Steve's interview, I’ll speak with Jeff and Susan Russell, the founders of Ridge Merino, in our Company Spotlight segment. Jeff Russell was heading up soft goods at Armada when he realized that all of the Armada athletes - when they weren’t at photoshoots - wore merino baselayers instead of the synthetic ones that Armada produced. Jeff and Susan set out to make youthful, cost effective merino base layers to fill the void. Get 20% off with the code "meister" at https://www.ridgemerino.com/ This episode is supported by Health IQ, an insurance company that uses science & data to secure lower rates on life insurance for health conscious people. healthiq.com/meister Links: Training for the New Alpinism - https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Mountain-Steve-House/dp/0980122775 Beyond the Mountain - https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Mountain-Steve-House/dp/0980122775 Uphill Athlete - https://www.uphillathlete.com/ Skyward Mountaineering - http://skywardmountaineering.com/ Alpine Mentors - https://www.alpinementors.org/ /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/6339103

#203 Gear Giveaway at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2018This is MtnMeister's semi-annual gear giveaway episode! If you’re a fan of the show, you’ve probably heard of it. If this is your first time listening, here’s how it works. A couple of weeks ago, I went to the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Denver where over 1,000 different outdoor brands exhibited their newest products. In exchange for being featured on today’s episode, each company agrees to give you gear. These are all real products that are either currently on the market or will be later this year - this is not “swag” or the branded cheap stuff that you end up throwing away. To win the free gear, all you have to do is listen to this episode, and when you hear a product you want, email me at ben@mtnmeister.com and tell me you want it. The first person to request it wins! You can only win one prize, and after you win it, you cannot exchange it. Winners must be in the USA. Finally, this time around, we had a grand prize of 2018 Salomon QST skis, which will be raffled off to one person who purchased information about the date or time of this episode’s release. I’ll announce that person at the end of this episode. /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/6247497

#202 Gear Giveaway at ORWM18 PreviewHOW IT WORKS In our Outdoor Retailer episodes of MtnMeister, we record short interviews with innovative and exciting outdoor brands. In exchange for being featured, they give you free gear! When you hear a product that you want, email ben@mtnmeister.com to request it. The first person who requests it wins! Last year we gave away over $5,000 in prizes. THE CATCH Easy, right? The only issue is that there’s a lot of competition from others who want the free gear. Last year, everything was claimed within about an hour of the episode’s release. This year, Outdoor Retailer will be from January 25 – 28, and the MtnMeister giveaway episode will be released at some point after that. IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES To gain a competitive advantage, we are giving you the option to buy valuable information: $5 for the date - https://gumroad.com/l/yjSWi $10 for the date and 3hr time window - https://gumroad.com/l/kzHsG $20 for the date and exact time - https://gumroad.com/l/jGpz BONUS PRIZE! By purchasing one of the items above, you will be entered to win our GRAND PRIZE, a brand new pair of 2018 Salomon QST. The QST was the #1 selling freeride ski in North America in 2016/17, and the 2018/19 pair will be updated with basalt and C/FX 3 technology which now extends edge to edge. This is Solomon’s proprietary carbon/flax blend which gives the ski stability while maintaining its lightweight. The winner chooses a pair up to $850! BOTTOM LINE With this small purchase, you significantly increase your chances of winning gear worth a whole lot more! Last year there were 30+ winners and the average prize was worth $150. Note: Winners must be in the USA because of shipping restrictions. Sorry! /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/6179954

#201 Chris Davenport | OROS ApparelChris Davenport, at age 46, is one of the most accomplished big mountain skiers today. He was a pioneer in figuring out a way to make a career out of skiing and has inspired the generation of freeskiers that you see today. Recently he was inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame. Chris talks about the early days, his upcoming projects, gear, and MountainHub, an app that uses Crowdsourced information to assist you with your outdoors adventures. https://mountainhub.com/explore After Chris's interview, we introduce a new segment to MtnMeister: the company spotlight. In our company spotlights, we feature short interviews with lesser-known outdoor brands and give them an opportunity to talk about their line of products. Then, Hannah Van Wetter and I review the product. Today's company spotlight is with OROS Apparel, who features a NASA technology used for space suit insulation in their outerwear and midlayers. Get 10% off with the code "meister" at checkout. https://www.orosapparel.com This episode is supported by Health IQ, an insurance company that helps active and health-conscious people get lower rates on their life insurance. See if you qualify with a free quote at healthiq.com/meister /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/6130365

#200 Trip Report: Summit for Someone on Grand TetonThis is MtnMeister's annual episode about Big City Mountaineers’ Summit for Someone program, where passionate climbers can ascend their dream peak and raise money for charity in the process. On these trips, I bring a portable recording device with me while I try to climb a mountain that’s outside of my comfort zone. Summit for Someone is the fundraising arm of Big City Mountaineers. Similar to how marathon or cycling fundraisers work, hiking and climbing enthusiasts can take on a big physical challenge and raise money for an organization that aligns itself with the challenge. In this case, outdoors enthusiasts are raising money to give underserved urban youth the opportunity to discover the outdoors and learn critical life skills along the way. This year was an especially exciting trip for MtnMeister. We invited invited listeners of the podcast to join the climb - all of them had to fundraise $4,000, physically train to climb the Grand, and be open to spending 4 days climbing with people they have never met before. We also had a professional photographer, Chris Shane, and a designer/illustrator, Adam Danielson join to visually document the trip. In this episode, you’ll learn more about Big City Mountaineers and hear from one of the program participants, Kim, about how BCM has had an impact on her. Then you’ll hear about our experience climbing the Grand Teton with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides. Finally, we’ll wrap things up with how you can do your own Summit for Someone climb. Special thanks to: Osprey Packs for providing our climbers with the Variant 52L pack. American Alpine Club for their support of MtnMeister. Former host of MtnMeister Russell Wilcox. Save up to 50% on solar installation with Do-It-With at https://www.diwhome.com/ or email Russell at rwilcox@diwhome.com Jackson Hole Mountain Guides for keeping us safe. We highly recommend our guides for your next adventure: Nate Opp, Michael Wachs, Jacob Schmitz /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/5806692

#199 Global Rescue with Dan RichardsToday's guest is Dan Richards, the CEO of Global Rescue. Global Rescue provides travel and health risk management services, ranging from specialty care to evacuation. In this episode, we talk to Dan about Global Rescue's business model, how having a "backup" impacts decision-making, and whether Dan has ever had to use the services of his own company. Gear up and support Big City Mountaineers’ Summit For Someone Grand Teton Climb sponsored by Osprey and MtnMeister. Save some cash – 20% - and make a donation to Big City Mountaineers all at once! Click through here to get your discount and make your donation! http://www.mountaingear.com/webstore/?voucherCode=20BCM5&cmp=emc-20BCM5 OR just type 20BCM5 at checkout in the Keycode box. Offer good from 6/7-6/9. /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/5421729

#198 Why We Climb with Chris NobleToday's guest is Chris Noble, author/photographer/climber. He’s the author of Women Who Dare: North America’s Most Inspiring Female Climbers, and his newest book, Why We Climb, which explores the various answers to that question - "Why do we climb?". The book includes interviews and stunning pictures of some the world’s elite climbers including Conrad Anker, Angie Payne, Alex Honnold, Raphael Slawinski, and many more. Buy the book here - http://bit.ly/WhyWeClimbBook /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/5340223

#197 Connecting all 417 national parks with Mikah MeyerApril 15-23 is National Park Week, and this coming weekend, April 22-23, you get free admission to every National Park in America. In this episode, I interview Mikah Meyer, who is on a mission to become the youngest person to experience all 417 units in America’s National Park System. He started around this time last year, and as of the release of this episode, he’s a little over a third of the way. In today’s episode you’ll hear about his motivation for the project, how he makes it work, and a change in lifestyle that makes it all worth it. Follow along Mikah's journey on his website tbcmikah.com or follow him on Instagram @TBCmikah. To sign up for our Grand Teton climb this summer to benefit Big City Mountaineers, visit mtnmeister.com/teton /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/5279296

#196 Come climb with MtnMeister!Over the past two summers, I’ve had the amazing the opportunity to climb two iconic peaks in the continental US: Mt Langley in 2015 and Mt. Hood in 2016. These are some of my fondest memories over the past few years. I have met incredible people and been forced outside of my comfort zone. These experiences have been part of the Summit for Someone program - charity climbs that raise money for Big City Mountaineers (BCM), a non-profit that takes underserved, inner-city youth on immersive, weeklong expeditions into the wilderness. This summer, I figured that rather than telling you about what happens to me, I should invite you to experience it with me. Further, I should invite a past guest on this podcast to serve as our mountain guide. I'm happy to say that all of the pieces have come together, and you're invited to join us! Where: Grand Teton When: July 7-10 Guide: Brian Warren, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides Photographer: Chris Shane, @chrismshane More details and register here: http://www.bigcitymountaineers.org/summit-for-someone/2017-climbs/grand-teton/ /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/5131605

#195 GEAR GIVEAWAY at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2017It's our semi-annual GEAR GIVEAWAY episode! Twice a year, we attend the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City to cover new products, technologies, and companies in the outdoors industry. If this is your first time listening to our gear giveaway episode, here’s how it works. In exchange for being featured on today’s episode, each company has agreed to give away free gear to our listeners. These are all real products that are either currently on the market or will be - they aren’t promotional. To win the free gear, all you have to do is email me at ben@mtnmeister.com. The first person who requests it, gets it. You can only win one prize, and after you win it, you cannot exchange it. Winners must be in the USA. 20 companies, $5,000+ in prizes, 30+ winners! For $5 off a MtnMeister t-shirt - gumroad.com/l/QiebU /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/5002672

#194 More Effective New Year's Resolutions and 2017 Goals In our annual New Year episode, we look back at what we accomplished in the previous year and set goals for the next one. Unfortunately, over the past two years my success rate hasn't been good - 33% to be exact. I’m not the only one with this problem. Goals are inherently hard and life can take us in different directions that move the finish line. Still, it’s obvious that we need help, so in today’s episode, we bring on a guest who knows a whole lot about goals and motivation. Hengchen Dai, a researcher on goals, motivation, and self regulation. She holds a PhD from University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and she’s an assistant professor of Organizational Behavior at Washington University in St Louis’s Olin Business School. We discuss strategies to increase your chances of achieving your goals in 2017. A temporal landmark or "Fresh Start" will help motivate goal pursuit. Reengage goals with a range. Give yourself skin in the game. Reduce cognitive load when choosing between a "should" and a "want" Utilize temptation bundling Plan B is not an option To purchase information about MtnMeister's upcoming Gear Giveaway episode, go to mtnmeister.com/giveaway. /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/4950906

#193 Gear Giveaway at ORWM17 PreviewFor the fourth consecutive season, MtnMeister will be hosting its OR Giveaway episode. In this extra-popular episode, we record segments with companies about their latest and greatest gear, technologies, footwear, and apparel. All participating companies give away free prizes to our loyal listeners. Here's how to win: After you listen to the episode, email ben@mtnmeister.com and say which specific prize you want. The first person who requests a prize, gets it! You can only win once and you can't trade for a different prize. Listening early is important, but the episode is released on mystery date, unless... We are offering you the opportunity to purchase information about the episode’s release (the date, a time window, or the EXACT date and time). Last giveaway episode, there were over 30 prizes and 26 people purchased the “date and exact time” package. Those are damn good odds! $4 for the date - https://gumroad.com/l/XFCZF $8 for the date and 3-hour time window - https://gumroad.com/l/zpdGn $12 for the date and exact time - https://gumroad.com/l/Ksxl Note: these prices will double on January 1st, so ACT NOW! /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/4938970

#192 Advancing Nature as a Public Health SolutionIf you’re a fan of this show, you probably understand that time outside makes you feel better. In fact, you’ve probably built it into your schedule - a little time outside every day keeps the doctor away, right? Buy why does this work? Are there bigger implications than your own personal use? On today’s episode, we bring you three distinguished guests who are working on advancing nature as a public health solution. Episode Guests: Stacy Bare, Director of Sierra Club Outdoors and veteran of the United States Army Dr. Nooshin Razani, pediatrician and researcher at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Craig Anderson, post-doc researcher and fellow at the UCSF VA hospital and the Greater Good Science Center. Want to get involved? Shoot me an email at ben@mtnmeister.com. Buy a MtnMeister T here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/4897037

(R) #167 A behind-the-scenes look at outdoors athlete sponsorshipThis episode was originally recorded in February of 2016. The “Did someone get paid to say that?” question runs through my mind a lot. Often, I have trouble finding the answer. For example, when a guest on MtnMeister gives a gear recommendation, does he/she get paid by that company? If he/she does, can we trust that the recommendation is authentic? How do these sponsorships work? What do the brands get from the athletes and what do the athletes get from the brands? How does this impact us as outdoors consumers? In this episode, we hear from a couple of professional athletes, a large outdoors brand, and a talent manager. If you have questions or comments, leave them in the discussion forum on our website mtnmeister.com or send me an email (ben at mtnmeister.com). /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/4874424

(R) #166 Racing across America with Adam KimbleThis episode was originally recorded in February of 2016. In 2009, Adam Kimble ran his first 5k. In 2011 his first half, 2012 his first marathon, and 2014 his first ultra. Now, in 2016, he is attempting to become the fastest person to run across the USA. The time to beat is 46 days, 8 hours, 36 minutes, and to do it he will have to average 68 miles a day. On February 15th, he will leave Huntington Beach and head west to hopefully finish around March 30th in NYC. Follow Adam @thebeardedsole on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or his website. To express interest in MtnMeister's Summit for Someone climb to benefit Big City Mountaineers, fill out this form - https://goo.gl/forms/k9xaPQB4jW3Ai31i1 Buy a MtnMeister t-shirt here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/4853069

#191 Inside of a Storm Chase with George KourounisGeorge Kourounis is a Canadian explorer and storm chaser. He’s been chasing storms for the past twenty years, from the powerful tornadoes of the midwest to giant hail, dust storms, hurricanes, and volcanoes in every corner of the globe. George is the host of a TV show called Angry Planet where he documents these incredible displays of Mother Nature. What’s so appealing about something so devastating? Listen to find out. Pictures, videos, and more here - http://mtnmeister.com/meister/george-kourounis-storm-chaser For 20% off Stio, use the code "meister" at checkout at http://www.stio.com/ For 5% off Bulls Bikes, use the code "bullseye5" at https://www.bullsbikesusa.com/ /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/4835102

#190 The oldest person to paddle the Mississippi River with Dale SandersAt 80 years old, Dale Sanders is the oldest person to paddle the entire Mississippi River. "The grey beard adventurer" paddled 2,345 miles from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Dale’s passion and enthusiasm are evident in our conversation, and I think you’ll find yourself smiling while you listen. Dale raised over $23,000 dollars to promote awareness and fight type 1 juvenile diabetes, a disease from which his 10 year-old grandniece, Anna, suffers. For 20% off Stio, use the code "meister" at checkout at http://www.stio.com/ For 5% off Bulls Bikes, use the code "bullseye5" at https://www.bullsbikesusa.com/ If you are interested in joining MtnMeister for a Summit for Someone climb to benefit Big City Mountaineers, please fill out this form - https://goo.gl/forms/8Y0bgqw650RYA8qE2 /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/4816459

#189 Trip Report: Summit for Someone on Mt. Hood, part 2 In June, I had the opportunity to join a Summit for Someone climb on Mt. Hood to benefit Big City Mountaineers. In this episode (part 2 of 2), you'll hear about our summit bid, how we reflect on the experience, and how you can do your own Summit for Someone climb. BCM takes underserved urban youth on wilderness expeditions to help them learn critical life skills like leadership and teamwork. Summit for Someone is the fundraising arm where climbers pick their dream peak and raise money for the organization in the process. Joining me on this climb were Rob and Jasper, a father-son duo from Positive Tracks. Positive Tracks is a nonprofit that promotes the combination of philanthropy and athletics (or "sweat for good"). For 20% off our sponsor Stio, use the code "meister" at checkout at www.stio.com/ For 5% off our sponsor Bulls Bikes USA, use the code bullseye5 at checkout at www.bullsbikesusa.com/ /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/4799327

#188 Trip Report: Summit for Someone on Mt. Hood, part 1In June, I had the opportunity to join a Summit for Someone climb on Mt. Hood to benefit Big City Mountaineers. It didn't look like the month of June though - the weather was, quite simply, terrible. The rain, snow, and wind made everything less certain and a summit bid unlikely. In this episode, you'll hear about my introduction to mountaineering, battling the elements, and how social influence impacts our decision making. BCM takes underserved urban youth on wilderness expeditions to help teach them critical life skills like leadership and teamwork. Summit for Someone is the fundraising arm where climbers pick their dream peak and raise money for the organization in the process. Joining me on this climb were Rob and Jasper, a father-son duo from Positive Tracks. Positive Tracks is a nonprofit that promotes the combination of philanthropy and athletics (or "sweat for good"). For 20% off our sponsor Stio, use the code "meister" at checkout at http://www.stio.com/ For 5% off our sponsor Bulls Bikes USA, use the code bullseye5 at checkout at https://www.bullsbikesusa.com/ /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/4778536

#187 Decision making in the mountains and markets with Masha GordonIn June, Masha Gordon broke the speed records for the Seven Summits Challenge - climbing the highest peak on each continent - and the Explorer's Grand Slam - the Seven Summits plus reaching the North and South Poles. Contrary to what you might think, Masha isn't a lifetime climber. After 16 years in the finance industry (Goldman Sachs and PIMCO) she has switched her focus to mountaineering. Masha is the founder of GRIT&ROCK, a mission to get more young women interested in mountaineering. In the first half of this episode, we talk about the parallels of decision making in the mountains and in the markets. How do confirmation bias, randomness, and our emotions impact how we evaluate situations? In the second half, Masha talks about how mountaineering has very little female participation and what needs to happen to fix it. This episode is supported by Stio. Get 20% off with the code "meister" at checkout at http://www.stio.com/ To purchase a MtnMeister T, go here - https://gumroad.com/l/QiebU /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/4755580

#186 Pokemon GO, augmented reality, and how it affects our lives outside with Kelly DavisAugmented reality is impacting the way we participate in the outdoors. Consider Pokemon GO, which gained worldwide appeal in a matter of days and encouraged millions of people to go outside. Yet, is this the best way to promote outdoor participation? While there have been significant innovations in headsets, Google Glass, and the smartphone, the technology is only in it's infancy. How will Pokemon GO and other forms of augmented reality change our outdoor experiences? Kelly Davis is optimistic. In this episode, we talk about the opportunities, business implications, and what’s worrisome about this rapidly evolving movement. Kelly Davis is the director of research at Snowsports Industries America, or SIA. SIA is the non-profit, North American member-owned trade association representing suppliers of consumer snow sports with constituents in the retailer, rep and resort communities. /episode/index/show/mtnmeister/id/4735827